Do you feel like you’re constantly being manipulated and controlled by your partner? Do they make you feel like you’re crazy or like you’re overreacting to everything? If so, you might be the victim of gaslighting. Here are ten signs that gaslighting is happening in your relationship.
They constantly make you feel like you’re wrong or crazy.
Are you questioning your sanity? If so, you may be a victim of gaslighting. Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which the abuser intentionally tries to make their victim feel crazy or like they’re losing their grip on reality.
This can be done through constant manipulation, false accusations, and other methods to undermine the victim’s sense of self. Do you find yourself constantly doubting your memory and perception? Do you second-guess yourself or question whether you’re seeing and hearing things correctly? If so, you may be the victim of gaslighting.
If you’re in a relationship with someone who is gaslighting you, it’s essential to get out of that situation as soon as possible. Not only is it emotionally damaging, but it can also have a severe impact on your mental health.
They make you feel like you’re overreacting.
Do you often feel like you’re being too sensitive or that your emotions are invalid? If so, this may be another sign that you’re being gaslit. Your abuser wants you to doubt your feelings and experiences, and they may try to convince you that you’re overreacting to things that aren’t a big deal.
They may also try to downplay your emotions or make you feel like you’re being irrational. If you’re being gaslit, you may start to doubt your own emotions and instincts. You may constantly apologize for your “overreactions,” even when you know you didn’t do anything wrong. Pay attention to your feelings, and don’t let anyone convince you that your emotions are invalid.
Your partner constantly denies doing or saying things you know they did or said.
Are you in arguments with your partner where they deny doing or saying things you know they did or said? This is another common tactic of gaslighters. By constantly denying their words or actions, they make you doubt your own memory and reality.
In some cases, the abuser may even deny that certain events occurred. This can be incredibly confusing and upsetting for the victim, who may start to question their sanity. The first thing you need to do is try to calm down and take a step back. It’s possible that your partner isn’t lying to you but is simply forgetting what they said or did. If this is the case, gently remind them of what happened and ask them to be more mindful in the future. However, if your partner deliberately lies to you, that’s a bigger problem.
If you feel like you can’t trust your memory or perception, it’s important to reach out for help. A professional therapist can help you to sort out what’s real and what’s not, and they can provide support and guidance through this difficult time.
Your partner tries to control your behavior or reactions.
Do you feel like you’re constantly being monitored and controlled by your partner? Do they try to dictate how you should dress, who you should talk to, and what you should do? Do you feel like your partner is always trying to manipulate you into doing what they want? If so, then this is also a huge red flag.
Abusive partners often try to control their victim’s behavior to keep them under their thumb. They may do this by making demands, issuing ultimatums, or constantly critiquing your every move. This can be incredibly frustrating and make you feel like you’re not in control of your own life.
Don’t tolerate this type of behavior from your partner. If they’re trying to control you, standing up for yourself and setting some boundaries is essential. Explain to them calmly and firmly that you’re not going to put up with their controlling behavior and that you’re an autonomous individual capable of making your own decisions.
Your partner is always trying to make you feel guilty.
Do you find yourself being constantly accused of things you didn’t do or being made to feel guilty for things that aren’t your fault? If so, then you might be the victim of gaslighting.
Gaslighters often use guilt as a way to control their victims. They may accuse you of cheating, even if you’ve never given them any reason to believe that. They may try to make you feel guilty for not spending enough time with them or for not doing things the way they want you to. This can be a very effective way to control someone, as it can make them doubt themselves and their actions.
If you’re being made to feel guilty by your partner, it’s important to remember that you’re not responsible for their happiness. You should never feel guilty for not doing something you don’t want to do or for not living up to their standards. Reach out to a therapist or counselor who can help you to deal with this type of emotional abuse.
Your partner tries to isolate you from your friends and family.
Do you find that your partner is always trying to keep you away from your friends and family? Do they tell you that you don’t need them or that they don’t like them? If so, then you might be the victim of gaslighting.
Abusive partners often try to isolate their victims from the people who love them. They may do this by telling them their friends and family are bad for them or convincing them that they don’t need anyone but the abuser. This can be a very effective way to control someone, making them more dependent on the abuser.
If your partner isolates you, you must remember that you have a right to your friends and family. You should never let anyone convince you that you don’t need the people who love you. Stand up for yourself and tell your partner that you’re not going to let them control who you see and talk to.
You always feel like you’re walking on eggshells.
Do you find yourself constantly walking on eggshells around your partner? Do you feel you have to tip-toe around them in case you say or do something that will set them off? If so, then you might be the victim of gaslighting.
Abusive partners often make their victims feel like they have to tip-toe around them in case they say or do something wrong. This can be very stressful and make you feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells. It can also make you doubt yourself and your actions.
If you’re in a relationship where you feel like you have to walk on eggshells, try to talk to your partner about it. Explain to them calmly and firmly that you’re not going to put up with their behavior and that you deserve to be treated with respect. If they refuse to listen or change their behavior, you might need to consider ending the relationship.
Your partner constantly threatens to leave you.
Does she say things like, “If you don’t do what I want, I’m going to leave you”? If so, then you might be the victim of gaslighting. Gaslighters often use threats as a way to control their victims. They may threaten to leave you or hurt you if you don’t do what they want. This can be a very effective way to control someone, as it can make them doubt themselves and their actions.
Here are some tips for dealing with this type of emotional abuse:
- Reach out to a professional therapist or counselor who can help you deal with stress and anxiety.
- Talk to your friends and family for support. They can help you see the situation more clearly and provide a much-needed emotional support system.
- Remember that you’re not responsible for your abuser’s happiness. You should never feel guilty for not doing something you don’t want to do or for not living up to their standards.
You find yourself withdrawing from activities that used to make you happy.
Do you find that you’re no longer interested in the things that used to make you happy? Do you feel like your life revolves around your partner and their needs? If so, then you might be the victim of emotional abuse.
Abusive partners often want their victims to revolve their life around them. They may try to control what you do, who you see, and how you spend your time. This can be a very effective way to control someone, as it can make them doubt themselves and their actions.
If you find yourself withdrawing from activities that used to make you happy, it’s crucial to return to them. Doing things that make you happy will help to boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of control over your life.
Your partner tries to control what you wear or how you look.
Do they try to tell you what to wear or how to style your hair? Do they criticize your appearance to make you feel bad about yourself? Do they constantly criticize you or make fun of you? Do they make negative comments about your intelligence or your abilities?
Abusive partners often try to control their victim’s appearance to make them feel bad about themselves. This can be a very effective way to control someone, as it can make them doubt themselves and their actions. Maybe, you never realized that your partner could be abusive, but now you know it can happen to anyone.
Instead of letting your partner control how you look, take back control. Wear clothes that make you feel good, and style your hair the way you want. Remember that you can do whatever you want with your appearance and don’t have to listen to your partner’s criticisms. Don’t let them control you.
Conclusion.
When you are a victim of emotional abuse, it is easy to feel alone and isolated. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many people have gone through what you’re going through, and help is available. If you think you might be the victim of emotional abuse, reach out for help from a professional therapist or counselor.
They can help you deal with the stress and anxiety of this situation and guide you on how to best deal with your abusive partner. Remember, you are not responsible for your abuser’s happiness. You should never feel guilty for not doing something you don’t want to do or for not living up to their standards.
Leave a comment below to let us know how you’re doing and to share your story with others who might be going through the same thing. Thanks for reading.
Lenny Terra is the founder & editor-in-chief. He’s a life coach, software engineer, freelance writer, and has a diploma in Modern Applied Psychology. Lenny has a passion for great living & beautiful design. He is married and is the father of two beautiful girls. His life’s mission is to help people improve their lives, become happier and more productive. This blog is his contribution to that goal and to the empowerment of his readers. Lenny and his family live in Texas with their two dogs.
